Commission launches strategy for alternative fuel development across Europe
Mon 28 January 2013
View all news
The European Commission has launched a 'Clean Power for Transport Package' of measures aimed at ensuring the build-up of alternative fuel stations across Europe with common standards for their design and use. The Commission says that clean fuel is being held back by three main barriers: the high cost of vehicles, a low level of consumer acceptance, and the lack of recharging and refuelling stations.
The Commission says that this has resulted in a ‘vicious circle’ where refuelling stations are not being built because there are not enough vehicles; vehicles are not sold at competitive prices because there is not enough demand and consumers do not buy the vehicles because they are expensive and the stations are not there.
The Commission is proposing a package of binding targets on member states for a minimum level of infrastructure for clean fuels such as electricity, hydrogen and natural gas, as well as introducing common EU wide standards for equipment needed.
The package consists of a Communication on a European alternative fuels strategy, a Directive focusing on infrastructure and standards and an accompanying document describing an action plan for the development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in shipping.
European Commission Vice President Siim Kallas responsible for Transport said. "Developing innovative and alternative fuels is an obvious way to make Europe's economy more resource efficient, to reduce our overdependence on oil and develop a transport industry which is ready to respond to the demands of the 21st century.
"Between them, China and the US plan to have more than 6 million electric vehicles on the road by 2020. This is major opportunity for Europe to establish a strong position in a fast growing global market."
Related Links
< Back to news list